Founder’s Letter

In early June, Park Hill Schools Superintendent Dr. Jeanette Cowherd addressed the tumultuous summer in our country and acknowledged the hurt among the Park Hill Family. She wrote, “we cannot look away from the outpouring of heartbreak and anger… We must look at our own hearts and minds and ask ourselves what work we need to do.”  Later that month, my family and I got “Together We Rise” shirts at the Parkville March for Unity, organized by Stephanie & Channing Doss. The event unified community members, the Parkville Police Department and Platte County Sheriff’s Department to show people of color that they have allies who will stand with them. Those t-shirts tell every person—of every color—they are not alone.

I was inspired by Dr. Cowherd’s challenge for all of us to “stop kicking the can down the road.” I want everyone to hear that “Together We Rise.”To me, those three words are powerful. They’re a commitment to promote our school district’s values of “equity, high expectations and integrity.” They empower young people to solve challenges together, heal pain, and create a future we want.

I invite you to raise your voice without saying a word. It’s easy:  Buy a t-shirt. Wear it. You’ll make a positive statement and empower others—without uttering a syllable.

Some people will buy shirts to amplify our message. Others will give into fear and misrepresent our mission—some already have. These shirts might spark tough, necessary conversations—ones that DO use words. They might prompt more debate on the meaning of raised fists: Is it unity? Or Protest?  Achievement? Revolution? Strength? No matter someone else’s rightful opinion or position, my friends and I will remain (rightfully and respectfully) undeterred.

The t-shirt says a lot: our life experiences are different, but together we will rise. 

-Abbie Day